Millennial representation in city politics

July 23, 2014

Guests: Nick Marzano, Anton Moore, J. Maureen Henderson

Four out of ten residents of Center City are between the ages of 18 and 34, yet this age group is not represented in the Philadelphia city council. While the city councils of New York, Chicago, Boston, Providence, and Baltimore all have at least one Millennial member, Philadelphia’s youngest City Councilman is 40 years old. What accounts for this lack of representation from the city’s fastest growing contingent? Some claim that Philadelphia’s ward system of government acts as a barrier to positions in the city’s legislature. Others observe that young, active residents are eschewing city-wide political concerns, focusing instead on their more immediate communities. Joining us to discuss the matter is NICK MARZANO, President of Young Involved Philadelphia, a non-profit organization that encourages civic engagement among young people. We’ll also talk with 28-year-old, ANTON MOORE, community organizer and a recently elected Democratic Committeeman, about his introduction to city politics. And we’ll speak with J. MAUREEN HENDERSON, who writes about the Millennial mindset and early career issues for Forbes Magazine.

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